Ronald Koeman likely to target Virgil van Dijk

There has been plenty of speculation about Virgil van Dijk's future. Picture: Contributed

ALEX GORDON

CELTIC defender Virgil van Dijk is likely to be targeted by Ronald Koeman, who is poised to be named Southampton manager this week.

Koeman is a long-term admirer of his fellow-Dutchman and has followed him since his emergence at Groningen.

Koeman even urged international coach Louis van Gaal to include him in his squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

Koeman, who quit his coaching role at Feyenoord at the end of the season, is close to agreeing terms at St Mary’s to succeed Mauricio Pochettino, who moved to Spurs last month. He knows he will have to sort out his defence immediately, with Croatian World Cup centre-back Dejan Lovren, linked with Liverpool, demanding a transfer.

Van Dijk, 22, would fit the bill perfectly after his impressive debut season at the Hoops following last summer’s bargain £2.2million move from Groningen.

Koeman has also been keeping tabs on goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Celtic, meanwhile, are planning a ‘pay-as-you-play’ contract for former Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon.